Today in Boston Bruins History: April 15

By Emma Harger

1947: Don Marcotte (full name Donald Michel Marcotte) is born in Asbestos, Quebec. Marcotte spent his entire NHL career, from 1965 to 1982, as part of the Boston Bruins. Until 1969-70 he didn’t spend much of his time in Boston, but he came up to Boston from the minor leagues just in time to be a big part of the 1970 Stanley Cup team. He was a good defensive forward and was known for scoring shorthanded goals, as well as being versatile enough to play all three forward roles. The Bruins released him from training camp in 1982, after 12 seasons, and he decided to just retire from hockey at that point after 868 games.

1974: Tim Thomas (full name Timothy James Thomas, Jr.) is born in Flint, Michigan. Thomas was raised in nearby Davison and played for the Davison High team before going to the University of Vermont and playing there while earning a degree in English. He holds Catamounts records for games played, wins and saves. He was drafted by the old Quebec Nordiques in 1994 but never played for them. Following his college stint, he spent time in the ECHL and the old IHL before his first stint in the Finnish leagues, a short return to the AHL, another time in Finland, more IHL work and a time in the Swedish leagues. Only after all of that did he become part of the Bruins organization in 2002-03. Even then he had to prove himself in Providence first and return to Finland one more time during the lockout. Post-lockout, he began his meteoric ascent to the top of the pops for goalies: 2009 and 2011 Vezina win, 2010 Olympic silver medalist, 2011 Conn Smythe winner (first American to win it since 1994), breaking save percentage records, making the most saves in a single postseason, Stanley Cup win, four All-Star Game appearances and wins…and he shows no signs of stopping.

1977: Bobby Schmautz scores the fastest goal from the start of a period in Boston Bruins history for the playoffs when he puts one away ten seconds into the third period of a game against the Los Angeles Kings. The Bruins win it 7-6.

1984: Daniel Paille is born in Welland, Ontario. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2002, he was in the Sabres system until 2009, when he was traded to the Bruins in the first Bruins-Sabres trade ever. He’s now part of the famed Merlot Line, so nicknamed because of their merlot-colored practice jerseys, alongside Shawn Thornton and Gregory Campbell. When he had his day with the Stanley Cup this past summer, he went to Niagara Falls and to Welland. He also contributes to the Boston Herald‘s Bear Blog with his linemates and writes on Fridays.

2003: The Bruins and New Jersey Devils score two goals in eight seconds during the third period of a 5-1 Bruins win. That’s a team record for fastest two goals by both teams.

2010: The Bruins shoot 24 shots on goal during the second period alone of a 2-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. That’s the second-highest total in a playoff period. Mark Recchi puts away his first goal of that year’s postseason, becoming the third-oldest player to do so at age 42.

A year ago today: After losing to the Habs to open the playoffs, the Bruins need and get in some practice.